Information design
Information design explains facts of the universe for knowledge and action.
Information design is the practice of presenting information in a way that fosters an efficient and effective understanding of the information. The term has come to be used for a specific area of graphic design related to displaying information effectively, rather than just attractively or for artistic expression. According to Per Mollerup, information design is explanation design; it explains facts of the universe and leads to knowledge and informed action.
- field
- Graphic design, data visualization, information architecture
- known_for
- Presenting information for efficient and effective understanding
- related_disciplines
- Communication design, data visualization, information architecture
Lore & Background
The term 'information design' emerged as a multidisciplinary area of study in the 1970s.
Reader's Guide
Information design is significant for its role in making complex data accessible and actionable across many fields. Its applications range from airport signage for broad audiences to personalized telephone bills for specific users, and it often seeks to improve user trust in products such as medicine packaging and emergency instructions. Governments have legislated on information design issues, including minimum type size in financial small print, food ingredient labelling, and medicine labelling readability. The principle of simplicity is central, aiming for clarity and understanding; simplification may involve quantitative reduction but is not restricted to it, as sometimes more information provides more clarity. The discipline overlaps with data visualization, communication design, and information architecture, and its practitioners include graphic designers, technical communicators, and information architects.
Did You Know?
- The term 'information design' emerged as a multidisciplinary area of study in the 1970s.
- Governments have legislated on information design issues such as the minimum size of type in financial small print.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Information design?
Information design is a branch of graphic design focused on arranging and presenting data so that audiences can understand it quickly and accurately. Rather than prioritizing visual appeal alone, it centers on making complex facts accessible and actionable for the viewer.
How does Information design differ from standard graphic design?
While traditional graphic design often emphasizes aesthetics and artistic expression, information design specifically targets clarity and comprehension. Its goal is to help people extract meaning and make informed decisions from the content they encounter.
What is the ultimate goal of Information design?
According to designer Per Mollerup, information design is essentially 'explanation design' — it exists to clarify facts about the world so that people gain genuine knowledge. This understanding then empowers them to take informed, effective action.
Which other disciplines overlap with Information design?
Information design sits at the intersection of communication design, data visualization, and information architecture. It draws on principles from all three to structure how data flows from source to audience in a way that supports understanding.
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